The R&R Report: MERC HAUS!

Remember when you were a kid, and that unmistakable dread would overcome you on Sunday evening if you hadn't done the homework that was due on Monday morning? Well I feel like a big, lousy slouch for letting the whole R&R Report thing slip away from regular importance. I may skip school tomorrow.

For the first couple of years at KBMTMDH , the R&R Report features were something I was rather passionate about. I suppose the problem is that Michael is passionate about too many things...Focus honey, focus!

Back to your regularly scheduled R&R Report.

Singer -Songwriter and Honorary Killer Bee Ron Morris and his husband of 10 years The Lovely Mr. Ken Jones Jr., have fashioned for themselves and their patrons the kind of retail experience that I adore and admire so. There are days when I walk into my own shop and think to myself  "I wanna blow this pop stand and go work for Ron and Ken in Easton!" If you're a regular at Milwaukee Design Collection, then you should know that I borrowed (OK, stole) the whole "Suddenly Special" idea from these guys. With kind permission from Ron, of course. And if  Mercantile Home and the fine folks of Easton, PA sound familiar to you my dear bleaders, it's because they've been mentioned here before...

There are those who work for others and those who work for themselves, and this is the natural order of things. When I was a kid growing up, I always knew I'd work for myself. It's how I'm wired. Have you ever had an entrepreneurial dream? I guess this particular R&R Report is so special because the Mercantile Home Story is one that truly inspires. Be sure to read it for yourselves...and BEE inspired!

I bow to those who dare to turn their dreams into reality and forge a living in doing so. And also, anyone who knows their way around a sewing machine! I can't even thread a needle. The uber-talented artisans behind everything you can see (and buy) at Mercantile Home are Killer Bees indeed. Be sure to visit their website - they ship those foxy, ingenious wares anywhere! Someone special just might be getting a Merc Haus Pet from me for Christmas... What? It's only 6 months away!

Since a picture tells a story far better than I, I will leave you with the  following clip (It's a portrait, really.) from the shop's fantastically entertaining video diary. You can spy all of the other episodes on their VIMEO page. I'm simultaneously writing my Dear Karen letter.

Remember Beezers,  keep on pollinating!

THE R&R REPORT: Palermo Villa

Palermo Villa Restaurant

2315 North Murray Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

414.278.7460

View the menu@ http://www.palermovillarestaurant.com/index.htm

How does any restaurant keep people coming back for 35 years?

Well first you need a good recipe. Most importantly you need the right ingredients, most of which you won't find in a pantry. They include: hard work, consistency, and a whole lotta TLC. Palermo Villa has the right ingredients....

 THE FOOD!

The freshest of everything, always. Pasta dishes to die for, sandwiches (do the sausage patty, just do it), salads ( don't ask for the Kathy Salad, its been retired ) and the pizza, dear God, the pizza.  This is a real deal hand-toss crust. Family recipe dough, homemade sauce, and hand spiced Italian sausage. So perfect in every way, it will ruin you for the others- trust me on this.

I worked at Palermo for 7 years, but compared to others, I was short term. The people who work for Kathy are usually in it for the long haul because they love her, and they love her because she treats them like family. The same goes for her loyal customer base. With a laugh that warm, and food that delicious, Kathleen Mirenda can make no enemies. When I decided to take the video camera on an R&R Report for the first time, going home to Palermo Villa was my very first thought.

I know I harp on you about this almost every time I do an R&R Report, but I'm going to say it once again- it is imperative that you shop and dine locally owned, as often as possible! In doing so, you will help ensure a healthier and more balanced community, and local economy...and you'll keep family owned restaurants like this Eastside gem around for future generations to enjoy.

When you stop in and see my family, tell them who sent ya.

THE R&R REPORT: THE VILLAGE OF WAUWATOSA

It takes a village...

As many of you know, supporting locally owned businesses is something I'm passionate about, and The R&R Report was born out of my desire to champion the cause. Now that we're in the thick of the holiday season I thought it might be appropriate to address the topic of "shopping destinations". Americans seem hard-wired to shop at malls. We gotta do something about this!
Trust me. The average independent merchant did not benefit from Black Friday the way Wal-Mart did with it's "door busters". I understand that the shortage of time seemingly provides these places with a convenience factor, however...what if I offered you a convenient alternative?

The charming and historic Village of Wauwatosa is bursting with quaint shops and eateries- all condensed into a 4 block radius. Yes, you have to get out of your car and walk, but you will be delighted by the personal service and unique offerings. These shops carry merchandise you won't find at the malls, insuring the bearer of gifts something truly different than their mall shopping counterparts! May I present a mere sampling of what you'll find...

*A very special thanks to photographer extraordinaire Brian Cumming for jumping in and taking such stunning shots of the featured shopkeepers...you saved the day!

MAGNOLIA & CO. 1442 Underwood Avenue 414.431.6427
Hours of Operation: M-W 10:30-6pm / TH 10:30-7pm / SAT 10:30-5pm

With her background in Interior Design, Magnolia owner Kerry Tylke has a seriously keen eye for stylish home decor of every kind, from tabletop to furniture...and a deft buyers hand for excellent giftables. For the holidays the shop is well-stocked with perfect gifts for the ladies on your list, and delicious holiday candles. And of course if you're still in a quandry for the perfect gift for me, I'd be pleased as punch to find the Bruce Dorrow painting hanging over the bed- under my tree!

MAGPIE JEWLERY AND METALS STUDIO 7613 Harwood Avenue 414.771.8021

Hours of Operation: M-W 10-5pm / TH 10-6 / F 10-7pm / SAT 10-5pm

Artisan jeweler Christopher Stephens is a creative soul of the highest order. By combining precious metals with gorgeous and unusual stones in his unique custom settings, he sets himself apart from other jewelers with ease. Christopher and his talented posse of Magpie designers offer a price-point for every pocketbook...so let me create a scenario for you. You can run down to Zales and get that specially advertised pendant (which thousands of others will be giving/getting), or you can have something custom made from Magpie. Many say I love you with jewelery. What will you do?

JUXT HOME & BABY 1504 Underwood Avenue 414.257.1710
Hours of Operation: M 10-3pm / T-SAT 10-6pm / SUN 12-4

jux-ta-pose: v., to place side by side, unexpected combinations, colors, shapes, and ideas...
In terms of interiors design, I often speak of loving a good juxtaposition. After visiting Kate Wilfer's delightful shop, I can tell you that this sassy proprietor understands a good "juxt" and pulls it off brilliantly. Right down to the packaging, Kate has a splendid assortment of gifts for home and baby, with many handicrafts from local artisans and manufacturers- ALL YEAR LONG. Her quirky knack for mixing new with vintage is right up my alley, and is sure to delight you too!

THE LITTLE READ BOOK 7603 West State Street 414.774.2665
Hours of Operation: M-SAT 10-8pm / SUN 12-4pm

A Village retail pioneer, Linda Erion Burg and Co. are celebrating 25 years of bringing excellent customer service and the power of the printed word to Wauwatosa. The compact and cozy space amazingly manages to leave no genre of literature unaccounted for, and has a great selection of cards and novelties to finish off any gift purchase- including the ones for yourself! Can't find it? They'll order it for you! It's kinda like "Books without Borders"...haha. Stop by and see Linda and her friendly staff, tell them that Bee guy sent you!

ORO DI OLIVA 7606 Harwood Avenue 414.426.8066
Hours of Operation: M-F 10-6pm / SAT 10-5 / SUN 11-5

A couple of years ago, Josh Saia opened the doors to what is one of the coolest shops- not only to the Village, but in all of Wisconsin! Get your taste-buds ready... His hand crafted extra virgin olive oils include: Persian Lime, Roasted French Walnut, Tuscan, and Wild Mushroom Sage. The amazing balsamic vinegars? Pomegranate, Black Currant, White Peach, and Cinnamon Pear. All available right from the spigot for your sampling pleasure. His prices are excellent, and I'm pleased to tell you that Josh just opened a second location on Silver Spring in Whitefish Bay. Nothing makes my heart sing like a local business owner expanding! For the Foodie in your life ( and the Foodie in you!) Oro di Oliva is a year round must-stop.


FOOD COURT FATIGUE? It's a fact. Shopping makes you ravenous! The Village has great eats... Le Reve Pastiserrie & Cafe, Pizzeria Piccola, Firefly Urban Bar and Grill, Cafe Hollander... And SO many more!

OH! While you're in the neighborhood don't forget to stop by The Underwood Gallery and grab some of Pamela's fabulous blown glass ornaments, The Flower Lady for your wreath, and Vino 100 to pick up that bottle of wine you need for the party tonight- there's 100 great wines for $25 and under!

WHEW! And that really is just a sampling! Check out The Village website for a comprehensive directory, complete with links to their websites, and location information, visit:

http://www.villageofwauwatosa.com/index.aspx

Remember folks. WHEREVER you are in the world, there's a "Village of Wauwatosa" near you! Shop local, support your community, and watch the tide turn!

THE R&R REPORT: RAINBOW BOOKSELLERS

 

Rainbow Booksellers
5704 West Vliet Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
414.774.7205
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays 3:30-8pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm

I pull up a small wooden stool and perch myself in front of the candy counter. There are 2 girls sitting in the window sorting books, maybe 11 and 12. In my quietest library voice, I lean over the counter and ask Marye Beth what they're doing. She explains that they're doing community service for some program they're in at school. Oh. "Ladies you can take a break in 20 minutes."

Marye Beth pushes a pile of Tootsie Rolls across the glass in my direction. "Have one. You know you want one. No? How about a Nut Roll?".

Because of the shop's limited hours, it quickly becomes a hive of activity. A father and son pull up on their bikes and Marye Beth greets them by their first names, just like she's done with everyone who's walked through the door since I sat down. I wasn't familiar with the series of books the boy was inquiring about, but she was. The book isn't going to be out for several weeks yet, but she assures him that his order is placed, and that she'll call the house as soon as it arrives. She adds that she might even drop it off at his house that very night. Providing of course that he remains a model young man and a pillar of society. "Young ladies, you may have your brake now. I'll see you back here in 10 minutes."

More customers file in so I make my way to the back. I'm enchanted at every turn by the fanciful illustrations that grace the covers of books I remember reading as a kid, and books that have such catchy titles, I realize that my stash of books on politics and spirituality seem rather stale. I'm transported to a wonderment place in childhood as I peruse the novelty items, historic paper dolls, and hand-made wooden games. I pick up "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" and think to myself that I really ought to read the book before I see the movie. As I make my way back to the front, I see that the pre-teen do-gooders have returned from their break, and have been to the gas station on the corner where they purchased diet Cokes and Sun Chips. I reach for a Nut Roll from behind the counter and think to myself, "Humph. What do they know?"

The place is inviting and cozy, but not overly cutsie or fancy. Kinda like Marye Beth.

By day she works with teens in trouble. BIG trouble. Kids who've slipped through the cracks so far that they've already experienced incarceration. Without the guidance she provides, they're likely to end up back behind bars, or in other institutions. She knows well the importance of education, and the empowerment it brings. Perhaps that's why she's so passionate about books...Rainbow Booksellers has kept it's regular, but limited hours for 15 years now so that Marye Beth and her husband Joe can keep their day jobs, which in-turn allows them to keep the doors to their Magical Literary Kingdom open. This dedication to our future gives them not only my admiration and a place on The R&R Report, but makes them bonafide Killer Bees.

Do you remember your favorite childhood books? I do. The Outsiders, It's Not The End Of The World, The Yearling. Oh and I loved The Boxcar Children mysteries by Gertrude Chandler-Warner. As a kid I spent allot of my free time at the library. But had there been a magical place like Rainbow Booksellers in my life, I surely would have read more. Where else can you go for a 25 -cent bag of Candy Raisins, a fresh copy of Nancy Drew, and an bottomless cache of advice from the wisest owl on the block? Nowhere. That's the charm for both the child and the child at heart. Just one visit and you'll agree that it could never be replaced by amazon.com or kindle, and certainly not the library. Marye Beth and Joe are counting on it.

Marye Beth and Joe Croze celebrate Rainbow Booksellers 15th Anniversary, September 2009.
Photos courtesy of Honore Croze

RAINBOW BOOKELLERS- 25% OFF TODAY, AND EVERYDAY!

THE R&R REPORT: THAI BAR-B-QUE

Thai Bar-B-Que
3417 West National Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414.647.0812
Hours of Operation:
Sunday- Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm
www.thaibarbquerestaurant.com

I have always loved Thai food, and I'm always game to eat it. The complexity of flavors...the salty, the sweet, and the spicy all conspire to do things to my palette which are very sensual. Not to mention sense-ual! Over the years Milwaukee has been blessed with a plethora of good Thai restaurants. Some of them great. Thai Bar-B-Que, my latest favorite spot, is better than good or great, it's EXCEPTIONAL! Kerry Dean and I went for lunch recently, and this time I had a chance to meet with the owners and snap a few pics for the blog...

Owners George Chai and his charming wife Thanita Sriamdi [you can call her Al] are at the helm of this homey and inexpensive little National Avenue spot. They've owned the Asian International Market next door for 9 years, and have had the doors to the restaurant open since 2006. The culinary mastermind behind their tasty menu is Al. Her grandparents were personal chefs to the King and Queen of Thailand, and she brought their heirloom family recipes with her when she arrived here 15 years ago. From the carefully layered curries to the exotic salads and delicious hot-pot soups, George, Al, and Company bring you an authentic taste of Thailand.

Just so you know, I had every intention of taking some sexy shots of our beautiful food. But I was so ravenous when the feast started to arrive that I forgot all about my camera sitting just inches from the Fresh Rolls... by the time I remembered it was there all that remained were a couple of empty bowls, and a barren soup pot! I guess the proof is in the pudding. Purple Sticky Rice pudding that is... By the way, they have the COOLEST interactive website of any restaurant I know of. Check it out by clicking on the website link below to preview their amazing menu or place a carryout order. Tell them Michael the bee guy sent you!

www.thaibarbquerestaurant.com

THE R&R REPORT: BARK N' SCRTACH OUTPOST

Bark n' Scratch Outpost
5835 West Bluemound Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53213
414.444.4110

Hours of Operation:
Monday & Wednesday 10am-7pm / Tuesdays 10am-9pm
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-6pm / Sundays Noon-4pm
www.milwaukeepetfood.com

I know you. Your pet IS part of your family. Mine is too, and it's always been important to me that he eat well, because I want him around for a LONG time! When I adopted Jackson from the Humane Society 10 years ago [the cutest wee kitten I ever did see] there were only a couple of decent food options. It was Iams or Science Diet. Over the years they got bought up by conglomerates, and the quality changed. After that he was strictly a Nutro cat. Now Nutro too has gone the way of other fallen pet food companies. Shortly after moving back to Milwaukee, I asked Cherrie where she'd been buying Mabel's food. She told me about this cool new place on Bluemound Road that specializes in natural, toxic-free, and organic pet stuffs....

Owner Carrie Marble and her friendly, knowledgeable staff are dedicated to bringing their customers [and their owners!] the absolute 'best for your babies" products available. All the info you need to know about certain varieties, diets, and alternative types of foods [What do you know about raw diets?] is dispensed freely. These people are so cool, and they care so much, that they even deliver if you need them too! There's also a great selection of toys and treats for you to do your duty and spoil with. Have I mentioned yet how reasonable the prices are?

10 year old Jackson McKinley [pictured last Christmas] loves his new chow called "Taste of The Wild" from Bark n' Scratch on Bluemound Road. It has a 42% protein ratio, and contains peas, sweet potatoes, smoked salmon, ocean fish, chicken, blueberries, raspberries, roasted venison, acidophilus, and a host of other nutritious good stuff. Daddy likes it cuz it only costs $9.99 for a 5lb bag!

For lots more info on Bark n' Scratch follow the link below:

www.milwaukeepetfood.com

THE R&R REPORT: EMBELEZAR

Embelezar
241 North Broadway
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414.274.6644
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sundays 12-5

When I first moved to the Windy City, Jeffrey Elliott became my personal ambassador to all things Chicago...and what a marvelous ambassador he was! I became a quick study of "city of neighborhoods". Understanding my love for Thai food and unique, upscale interior design boutiques [Michael likes tasty, pretty things!], he excitedly introduced me to his favorite Bucktown shop, Embelezar.

It was love at first sight. Owner Suzanne Rafestein has an impeccable eye for luxury accents, and when I heard several months ago [from her fabulously sassy Mother, BJ] that Embelezar was leaving Bucktown and moving to Milwaukee's Third Ward I was ecstatic! Sorry Chicago...

"Embelezar" is Portuguese for "to embellish and to become beautiful". Need I say More?

Suzanne's hand-picked global mix of furnishings, and cultural and architectural artifacts is top notch. Inside you'll find Asian painted cabinets, Venetian silk chandeliers, rich textiles from Turkey, India, and Philadelphia, suede journals from Brooklyn, Moroccan ceramics, Afghan rugs, Peruvian serving pieces, Maori carved stones, and the list goes on...

Suzanne is thrilled to be here in Milwaukee, and I'm personally thrilled to have her......won't you stop by and pay her a visit? Trust me, you'll be delighted you did!

THE R&R REPORT: THIRD WARD CAFFE

Third Ward Caffe
225 East Saint Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reservations Recommended: 414.224.0895
Hours of Operation:
Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday 11-2:30 / Dinner: Tues.-Thurs. 5-9 & Fri.-Sat 5-10

For nearly 30 years Randy and Jane Nelson have been serving up elegant northern Italian fare in their charming cafe on East Saint Paul. In "restaurant years", that's like 112...

Every Summer Randy and Jane spend their weekends at their Door County farm, cultivating their own organic herbs and vegetables for use in the restaurant. From the cozy atmosphere to the ends of their extensive menu, you can feel AND taste their dedication. Absolutely everything is scratch-prepared, from the salad dressings to the pan sauces. In addition to the "regular" menu, they have an evolving seasonal menu featuring the best of what's available NOW ingredients. This is food, as it should be. Whole and delicious.

Randy and his small crew of talented cooks run the kitchen. Jane and her superb servers mind the front of the house, taking extra special care of each and every customer. Trust me, if you've got theater tickets, this is the place to have dinner...Jane has "in by" and "out by" down to a science! When you think about it, Randy and Jane have seen their cafe through 5 Presidents (3 of them 2 terms!), a few recessions, and several "face lifts" to the food service industry. To enjoy the kind of longevity that they have, they must be onto something. No, let me rephrase that.

They already have it.

For more information and to see the menu, click on the link below:

http://foodspot.com/thirdwardcaffe/

Spring Westside Artwalk

I took a little time the other day to "review" all the contents of this blog since it's official launch, back in January of this year. Gee, I sure talk about ART allot! But I believe ART is important.

In a world that's so technology driven, where we communicate more often with our fingers than our voices... it's important to remember that ART mirrors the human condition. In all its forms, ART inspires, conjures, beguiles, and taps our emotions.

It reminds us of who we are, not what we do....

It's time for the Spring Westside Artwalk! So grab your friends, and/or your children and head down to West Vliet Street [in Milwaukee] AND the historic Village of Wauwatosa THIS COMING WEEKEND and explore the diverse art galleries, unique shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Have fun, and tell 'em The Killer Bees sent you!

By the way, I'll have some of my paintings up at "Camp Studio"[limited engagement]:
7605 Harwood Avenue , in the Village....

Here's what you need to know:
FRIDAY APRIL 24th 5pm-9pm
SATURDAY APRIL 25th 10am-4pm

For more Westside Artwalk details, you can click on the following links:

www.vstreet.biz/home.html
http://www.villageofwauwatosa.com/

A ltitle FYI. One of the coolest things about doing this blog is getting the chance to expose not only the talented people I meet, but also some friends of mine I think you should know!
Like these shopkeepers participating in the Westside Artwalk....

THE R&R REPORT: SAMARA STUDIOS

Samara Studios
5211 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
414.444.8100
Hours of Operation: Wed-Fri 1-5 and Saturdays 10-5

Fine art. Antinques and garden sculpture. Vintage clothing and lightintg, custom lamp shades, art classes and special events. Hybrids aren't just cars and tomatoes anymore...

I love quirky places like Samara Studios. The idea that one space can be so multi-functional, multi-faceted, intrigues the hell out of me. This well merchandised little gem on North Avenue, is by no accident a hybrid, but is the brainchild of owners: Scott Meier, Stewart Dempsey, and Maribeth Celek.

Coinciding with the Westside Artwalk is their 2nd Annual 100 for $100 event, where they'll offer more than 100 works of art , each priced at $100 or less. Enjoy complimentary refreshments on Friday evening!

Horticulturist, painter, and Samara Studios co-creator Stewart Dempsey!

For more information on Samara Studios visit their website

By CLICKING HERE: www.samarastudiosonline.com

THE R&R REPORT: ART & SOUL GALLERY

Art & Soul Gallery and Yoga Studio
57606-08 West Vliet Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
414.774.4185
Hours of Operation: Tu, Th, Fri 12-5 / Wed 12-5 / Sat 9-5 / Sun 12-3

When my former shop Transformations was next door to Art &Soul, Sue Heeley and I shared a common hallway between our back doors. They were never closed. I don't know how many lamps she helped me unpack, but I returned the favor by occasionally helping out with a window display! Ah, memories.

Eventually, Sue was able to expand into the space I once occupied, and can now offer you even more of her exciting mix of photography, mixed-media sculpture, ceramics and pottery, paintings, artisan jewelery and ladies accessories!

The gallery also hosts yoga classes, wellness seminars, and other special events.

Gallery Mistress, art lover, and my dental hygenist Sue Heeley!

For more information on Art & Soul Gallery, as well as information on up-coming yoga class sessions, special seminars and events, visit their website by CLICKING HERE: www.artsoul-gallery.com

THE R&R REPORT: WHITE ATTIC

White Attic
5225 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773.907.9800

and

1842 North Damen
Chicago, Illinois 60647
773.252.8844

The day after I moved into my first Chicago apartment, I went for an exploratory walk down Clark Street to see what Andersonville was all about. I was instantly charmed when I walked into White Attic, which had only been open 6 months. As I was soaking up all the eye candy, the gracious proprietor, Terry Ledford, introduced himself to me and welcomed me to the neighborhood. With unlimited funds, I could have cleaned out the entire joint that day, and re-furnished my new digs from stem to sternum! Instead I bought my first Voluspa candle.
I'm still hooked on them....

I'm thrilled to announce that 4 years later, not only has White Attic thrived in tough economic times, but Terry opened his 2nd location in Bucktown back last November. It's not at all surprising to me though. Terry has a keen eye for mixing the classics in a FRESH way, and is always on top , if not ahead of color trends. That being said, White Attic isn't trendy. It's simply full of smart and fabulous furnishings and accessories. It's always been his goal to to offer affordable pieces that will make your house a home.

I guess that's the key to his success.
And success couldn't have found a nicer guy.

The Lamp Bar was conceived so that his customers could create their own "perfect lamp". There are 17 ceramic bases, available in 30 different colors, 5 shade sizes, and close to 100 fabric shade options. Want a red lamp? A blue lamp with a chocolate shade? They can do that for you! Each lamp is manufactured in the U.S.A. and made to order in approximately 8 weeks. Pricing includes the base and the shade, all custom options, and shipping anywhere in the country.

White Attic offers refinished vintage furniture from the early 1900's to the 1960's. Each piece is hand-selected by Terry, and refinished by the team using low VOC paints and varnishes. Colors are updated seasonally.

Through the years the design concept of "re-inventing" vintage furniture has evolved to include painted furniture as well as naturally finished wood pieces. In both stores you'll find some pieces completely painted, some partially painted, and some with all natural finishes.

For more information on White Attic, visit the website

By CLICKING HERE: www.thewhiteattic.com